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CRITIK

Far Cry Primal

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Far Cry Primal
Item: Far Cry Primal
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Action, Shooter, Open World, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableFeb 23, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperUbisoft Montreal

Overview

Gamers play as TAKKAR, a seasoned hunter and the last surviving member of his hunting group. Arriving in the majestic and savage land of Oros, players will pursue one single goal; survive in a world where humans are the prey. They will meet a cast of memorable characters who will help them push back and tame the dangers of the wild. Players will journey as the first human to tame the wilderness and rise above extinction. Along the way, they will have to hunt for food, master fire, fend off fierce predators, craft weapons and tools partly from the bones of slain beasts, and face off against other tribes to conquer Oros.

Elsewhere

7.3

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Far Cry Primal are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. Gameplanet praises the story for its focus on the protagonist Takkar reuniting the scattered Wenja people and protecting them from hostile tribes. AusGamers also commends the game for its presentation of a brutal and grounded tale that expertly reflects the Stone Age setting. Game Rant further adds that the game features engaging side characters and authentic dialogue for the era. These positive aspects suggest that the story successfully immerses players in the prehistoric world and provides an enjoyable narrative experience. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the story of Far Cry Primal. PC Gamer criticizes the lack of a central villain, which makes the story feel thin. Game Informer, on the other hand, appreciates the slim narrative setup, but GameCritics argues that the lack of a heavy-hitting plot might hinder the game's long-term viability. These negative opinions suggest that the story may not be as compelling or memorable as in previous iterations of the franchise, and players may struggle to connect with the protagonist and other characters due to the language barrier, as mentioned by GameCritics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the story's focus on survival, rebuilding tribes, and exploring themes of dominance and struggle, others find it lacking in depth and engaging characters. The lack of a central villain and the language barrier are mentioned as potential drawbacks. However, the positive aspects of the story, such as the immersive Stone Age setting, well-written side characters, and grounded brutality, are also acknowledged. It seems that the story of Far Cry Primal may not be as strong or satisfying as in previous games, but it still manages to provide an enjoyable experience for players seeking a unique prehistoric adventure.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Far Cry Primal's story. Positive points include immersive Stone Age setting, engaging side characters, and grounded brutality. However, some criticize the thin plot, lack of central villain, and language barriers affecting character connection. Overall, while the story focuses on survival and rebuilding tribes, it may not be as strong or memorable as previous games in the franchise.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

72%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Far Cry Primal, considering it to be very good. One of the standout aspects of the gameplay is the open-world framework, which follows the traditional Far Cry formula of capturing outposts, unlocking weapons, and crafting upgrades. GameSpot and Game Informer both highlight the survival-focused element that the Stone Age setting brings to the gameplay, creating a more foreboding and immersive experience. The addition of the Beast Master abilities, as mentioned by Game Informer and Cheat Code Central, allows players to tame and control a wide variety of creatures, adding a fresh and enjoyable element to the gameplay. The ability to control animals while going through the hunter-gatherer motions, as praised by AusGamers, adds depth and beauty to the game's ebb and flow. The gameplay also offers a massive open world with plenty of activities, animals, and environments to explore, as mentioned by IGN Spain. The emphasis on low-tech weapons and hunting and gathering resources, as highlighted by Toronto Sun, adds excitement and engagement to the combat. Overall, the positive aspects of the gameplay include the open-world framework, the survival-focused element, the Beast Master abilities, the exploration opportunities, and the engaging combat mechanics. However, there are some negative aspects of the gameplay that critics pointed out. Gameplanet and Digitally Downloaded mention that the crafting system, while extensive, can lead to tedious busy work. ActionTrip and Metro GameCentral criticize the limited arsenal, which makes combat feel repetitive and one-dimensional. Game Rant also mentions that the focus on taming and interacting with extinct animals, while entertaining, may not provide enough challenge. Slant Magazine and Polygon note that combat can become repetitive after a few hours, and Polygon also mentions the lack of variety in combat. Despite these criticisms, the negative aspects of the gameplay are relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception. In conclusion, the majority of the critics found the gameplay of Far Cry Primal to be very good. The open-world framework, survival-focused element, and Beast Master abilities were praised for adding depth and enjoyment to the gameplay. The exploration opportunities, engaging combat mechanics, and emphasis on low-tech weapons and hunting and gathering resources were also highlighted as positive aspects. While there were some criticisms regarding the crafting system, limited arsenal, and repetitive combat, these negatives were outweighed by the overall positive consensus of the critics. Overall, Far Cry Primal offers a satisfying and immersive gameplay experience in a unique Stone Age setting.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud Far Cry Primal's engaging gameplay, praising its open-world structure, survival challenges, and Beast Master abilities. The game offers a vast world to explore, exciting combat mechanics, and a unique Stone Age setting. Despite minor flaws like tedious crafting and repetitive combat, the overall positive reception outweighs the negatives. Far Cry Primal delivers a satisfying and immersive gaming experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Far Cry Primal are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game's stunning and visually impressive environments. Gameplanet described the setting of 10,000 BCE as "stunning" and PC Gamer stated that the setting of Oros is "lush, beautiful, and teeming with wildlife." The landscapes of Oros were also commended by critics such as AusGamers, who mentioned the mountainous regions, snowy peaks, and waterways that sell the prehistoric setting competently. The visuals were further praised by critics like Toronto Sun, who described the game as having a "beautiful natural environment" and Xbox Achievements, who highlighted the impressive visuals delivered by the Dunia Engine. The world of Oros was also described as varied, breathtaking, and visually stunning by critics such as Digital Spy, Game Rant, and Gaming Nexus. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the Graphics and Visual Design of Far Cry Primal, there were a few minor criticisms. AusGamers mentioned that the engine used in the game is starting to look a bit dated, indicating that the visuals may not be as cutting-edge as some other games. Metro GameCentral also stated that the graphics were not particularly dazzling, although effective use of color and weather effects compensated for this. Gamers' Temple mentioned the presence of some 2D textures on bushes, but noted that they were not easily noticeable. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Far Cry Primal are very good. The majority of critics praised the game's stunning landscapes, impressive environments, and attention to detail. The visuals were described as visually impressive, breathtaking, and enjoyable to witness. The game's world was commended for its diversity, realism, and ability to create a living, breathing ecosystem. The positive opinions of critics such as Game Informer, Push Square, and The Escapist further support the overall consensus that the Graphics and Visual Design of Far Cry Primal are a major strength of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Far Cry Primal's stunning graphics and visual design, praising its impressive environments set in 10,000 BCE. Despite minor criticisms about dated visuals, the game's lush landscapes and attention to detail earn high marks. Overall, critics agree that the graphics are visually impressive, diverse, and create a captivating prehistoric world.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Far Cry Primal are generally positive. Game Informer praises the game for its ability to create a vibrant community with music and life, indicating that the sound design and music contribute to the immersive experience. Xbox Achievements also commends the game's soundscape, specifically mentioning the roars of prehistoric creatures and the expressive chatter of NPCs, which further enhances the immersion. The Escapist goes as far as calling the sound design "top-notch," highlighting the immersive wolf howls and growls that warn players of danger. On the other hand, Digitally Downloaded points out a negative aspect of the sound design. While they appreciate the lack of English voice acting, as it reinforces the foreign environment and setting, they mention that there is not enough variety and depth in the voice-overs. This criticism suggests that the game could have benefited from more diverse and nuanced voice acting to fully immerse players in the world of Far Cry Primal. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Far Cry Primal are strong and contribute to the immersive experience of the game. GameCritics highlights the rich environmental and gameplay sounds that enhance the overall experience. Gamers' Temple praises the overall sound design, indicating that it adds to the immersive experience. The positive feedback from multiple critics, such as Game Informer and Xbox Achievements, further supports the notion that the sound design and music in Far Cry Primal are well-executed. While there is a minor criticism regarding the lack of variety and depth in the voice-overs, it does not overshadow the overall positive sentiment towards the sound design and music in the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics laud Far Cry Primal for its immersive sound design and music, with praise for creating a vibrant community and realistic environment. Some highlight the impactful sounds of prehistoric creatures and NPCs, while others note a lack of variety in voice-overs. Overall, the consensus is positive, with reviewers like Game Informer and Xbox Achievements commending the game's well-executed audio experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Far Cry Primal are generally positive. AusGamers commends the performances in the different languages used for the game, indicating that they are of good quality. Game Rant also praises the voice acting, stating that it is entertaining and helps with immersion in the game. Gamers' Temple adds to this sentiment, mentioning that all characters in the game speak an old dialect that is translated on the screen in English, which adds to the immersion of the game. These positive opinions highlight the efforts made by the voice actors to bring the characters to life and create an authentic experience. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Far Cry Primal. Toronto Sun criticizes the use of a made-up prehistoric language that is subtitled in a modern-day font, which can be seen as a disconnect between the setting and the presentation. Metro GameCentral also expresses dissatisfaction with the dialogue, stating that it tries to mimic caveman speak and is not enjoyable to sit through. These negative opinions suggest that the voice acting may not fully meet the expectations of some players, either due to the choice of language or the execution of the dialogue. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Far Cry Primal is a mixed bag. While there are positive aspects such as the performances in different languages, the unique caveman language, and the immersive nature of the voice-overs, there are also negative aspects such as the subtitled modern font and the attempt to mimic caveman speak. Digitally Downloaded highlights the lack of variety and depth in the voice-overs, which may contribute to a less satisfying experience for some players. Despite these mixed opinions, it seems that the voice acting in Far Cry Primal generally adds to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game, but there are areas where improvements could have been made to enhance the experience further.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Far Cry Primal. While some praise the performances and immersive qualities of the different languages used, others criticize the use of a made-up prehistoric language and lack of variety in voice-overs. Overall, the voice acting adds to the game's immersion but falls short in certain aspects, leaving room for improvement.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Far Cry Primal, the majority of critics had positive opinions across all gaming platforms. GameSpot, PC Gamer, and Gaming Nexus all praised the smooth combat and detailed textures on the PC version. GameSpot also specifically mentioned the smooth combat at 60fps and detailed textures on the Xbox One version, while Gaming Nexus highlighted the smooth performance on the PlayStation 4 with no technical issues. On the other hand, there were a few criticisms mentioned by some critics. PC Gamer noted occasional dips in frame rate to 40-50fps when the game was busy on the PC version. Polygon mentioned open-world instability and issues with animal AI on the PlayStation 4 version. These criticisms, however, were not shared by the majority of the critics and seemed to be isolated issues rather than widespread problems. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Far Cry Primal was very good on all gaming platforms. The smooth combat, detailed textures, and lack of major technical issues were highlighted as the strengths of the game. The positive feedback from multiple critics, including GameSpot, PC Gamer, and Gaming Nexus, further supports this conclusion. While there were some minor issues mentioned by a few critics, they did not significantly impact the overall positive sentiment towards the technical performance of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics mostly praised Far Cry Primal's technical performance on all platforms for smooth combat and detailed textures. Some minor criticisms included frame rate dips on PC and open-world instability on PlayStation 4, but these were isolated issues. Overall, the game received positive feedback for its strong performance and lack of major technical problems from critics like GameSpot, PC Gamer, and Gaming Nexus.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Far Cry Primal are varied. Some critics, such as ActionTrip and Xbox Achievements, highlight the game's abundance of missions and activities, providing players with plenty of content to keep them engaged and entertained for a long Time. This is further supported by Digital Spy, who mentions the variety in gameplay and the open-world sandbox of Oros contributing to the game's replay value. Gamers' Temple also emphasizes the large world map and numerous collectibles, offering players a lot of content to explore and replay. These positive aspects of the game's replay value suggest that players will find enjoyment in revisiting the game and discovering new experiences. However, there are also critics who mention some negative aspects regarding the replay value of Far Cry Primal. Gameplanet expresses that the game feels repetitive and lacks a central antagonist, which may reduce the desire to replay the main quest. Game Informer also mentions that the missions start to feel fairly similar after a while, potentially diminishing the replay value for some players. The Toronto Sun echoes this sentiment, stating that the game can feel a bit repetitive and stretched out at times. These criticisms suggest that certain aspects of the game's design and structure may hinder its replayability for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Far Cry Primal offers a decent amount of replay value. The game's abundance of missions, activities, and collectibles, as well as the open-world sandbox and variety in gameplay, provide players with opportunities to explore and engage with the game beyond the main storyline. While there are some concerns about repetitiveness and lack of a central antagonist, the positive aspects mentioned by several critics outweigh these negatives. Players who enjoy open-world exploration and varied gameplay mechanics are likely to find value in revisiting Far Cry Primal.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on Far Cry Primal's replay value. Some praise its abundance of missions and activities, while others criticize its repetitive nature and lack of central antagonist. Overall, the game offers decent replay value with its vast world, varied gameplay, and plenty of content to explore, making it worth revisiting for fans of open-world games.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Far Cry Primal has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from critics. The positive aspects of the game that were highlighted include its captivating Stone Age setting and immersive world. GameSpot, AusGamers, and Guardian all praised the game for staying true to its setting and offering a unique and refreshing experience. The world of Oros was described as sprawling and immersive, providing players with a captivating environment to explore. The game's animal-based gameplay and hunting mechanics were also praised by PC Gamer and Digitally Downloaded, who enjoyed the new gameplay elements introduced in Far Cry Primal. However, there were also several negative aspects of the game that critics pointed out. Gameplanet, ActionTrip, and Metro GameCentral all mentioned the repetitive gameplay as a drawback, with ActionTrip stating that the game lacks mission variety and combat tools. IGN Spain criticized the main story for lacking strength, while IBTimes UK mentioned that the game offers nothing new and falls victim to Ubisoft's mass homogenization techniques. Cheat Code Central also mentioned frustrating combat mechanics as a flaw in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Far Cry Primal is an enjoyable game that offers a unique and immersive experience. Despite its flaws, such as repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation, the game is still considered a solid addition to the Far Cry franchise. Game Informer, GameCritics, and Push Square all expressed their enjoyment of the game and its ability to shake up the formula of previous Far Cry titles. The Escapist and Telegraph recommended the game to fans of the franchise and survival games, praising its immersive world and gameplay mechanics. While there were some mixed opinions and criticisms, the overall sentiment towards Far Cry Primal is positive, with many critics appreciating its unique setting and gameplay elements.

TL;DR

Far Cry Primal receives mixed reviews with positive highlights on its captivating Stone Age setting and immersive world, praised by GameSpot and Guardian. Critics also enjoyed the animal-based gameplay and hunting mechanics. However, negative feedback includes repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation, noted by Gameplanet and IGN Spain. Despite flaws, the game is seen as a solid addition to the franchise by critics like Game Informer and The Escapist, offering a unique and immersive experience.

CRITIK

Reviews

181 reviews found

Gamers' Temple

PlayStation 4

Feb 23, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Far Cry Primal is a unique and fresh experience that may become a favorite among Far Cry fans. The reviewer gives it a final rating of 92%.

The Escapist

PlayStation 4

Feb 22, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Far Cry Primal is a remarkable Stone Age survival game that immerses players into its world and is recommended for fans of Far Cry and survival games.

Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 4

Feb 22, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Far Cry Primal is a breath of fresh air for the FPS genre, with its original setting and engaging gameplay elements. The world of Oros is immersive and offers a lot to do. It is recommended for those looking for a shooter that offers more than just shooting.

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AusGamers

Xbox One

Mar 9, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Far Cry Primal is a notch on Ubisoft Montreal's cave-painted wall and is more than worth a look-in.

Game Informer

Xbox One

Feb 22, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

This is the first entry in the franchise that seems to truly support the way I play these games.

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Xbox Achievements

Xbox One

Feb 22, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Far Cry Primal is a good game that differentiates itself from its predecessors with new ideas and a fresh setting. It maintains the core formula of the series and is considered one of the best open-world action games.

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Polygon

PlayStation 4

Feb 22, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Far Cry Primal is an invigorating example of how to reimagine a tired franchise while keeping its soul intact.

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IGN Spain

Xbox One

Feb 22, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Far Cry Primal is a unique and ambitious game with a well-crafted world, but its main story lacks strength. The gameplay mechanics and open world exploration make it an enjoyable experience overall.

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Digital Spy

PlayStation 4

Feb 22, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Far Cry Primal is a refreshing entry in the series, taking players to the Stone Age and offering a unique gameplay experience. The game's setting, gameplay mechanics, and immersive world make it a convincing and enjoyable addition to the Far Cry franchise.

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Game Rant

PlayStation 4

Feb 22, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Far Cry Primal is a refreshing take on the series with a solid structure and a unique setting. It may not be a saving grace for those who are not fond of the existing titles, but it is a good game overall.

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